Variant (noun)

1. A different form of a gene, virus, or disease.
2. A different form of a word, expression, or thing.
3. Something that differs in form, nature, or quality from the norm.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin variant- "varying", from the verb variare (see vary).

Examples:

1. A new variant of the virus was identified by scientists.
2. The variant spelling of the word was commonly used in the region.
3. The car manufacturer introduced a new variant of the popular model.
4. The variant of the story was passed down from generation to generation.
5. The variant flavors of ice cream were available for taste testing.